Chapter 1947

Alyssa's breath hitched as a familiar voice echoed through the tense silence. Squeezing Jasper's hand until his knuckles turned white, her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

"I-It's Winston!"

"Winston?" Jasper echoed, his surprise evident.

Then, a procession of men clad in black suits strode into the mourning hall with authority. Winston, a commanding presence that turned heads, stood proudly at the forefront.

But Winston wasn't alone. Accompanying him were Mandy, Lyla, Colene, Jonah, and Silas, representing the Taylor family.

Rarely did the Taylors assemble in such unity, indicating the significance of Cornelius' funeral to them.

"Dad!" Tears welled up in Alyssa's eyes as she launched herself toward Winston, engulfing him in a fierce hug.

Jasper watched the reunion, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He remained rooted in his spot, refraining from seeking favor and silently observing the scene.

"What's all this fuss about? I'm barely in my 70s. I'